In School Visitors
In the past few weeks, the orchestra has welcomed two visitors to our classroom. These visitors performed for us as well as told us about their musical journey. Students got a glimpse of the possibilities of musical careers and varied styles of music.
Aniruddha Mukherjee
Mr. Aniruddha “Ani” Mukherjee, visited the Chamber Orchestra during 10th period last month on October 18th. Mr. Mukherjee performed on the tabla, a traditional Indian pair of drums, and shared with the 7th & 8th grade orchestra students a bit about Indian Classical Music – specifically, the music of Northern India.
Watch Mr. Mukherjee improvise while the students count at https://photos.app.goo.gl/VLv2P1b6AtF3Tc8JA.
Robbie Ellis
Mr. Robbie Ellis, a New Zealand born Chicagoan, performed and shared his musical journey with the Orchestra as well as the Band and Choir on Wednesday, November 6. He performed a few of his comedy songs, including the students’ favorite “Pumpkins,” where he explained he uses the odd rhythmic time signature of 7/8 to further add to the tongue-twisting lyrics.
He shared his musical journey of Musical Freelancing where he works as a Comedy Songwriter, Musical Director, Orchestral Composer, and Radio Broadcaster.
Watch Mr. Ellis perform Pumpkins to the 6th Grade BOC students at https://photos.app.goo.gl/akCpYErrwaeBJPWD6.
The Viper Returns
We’re excited for the return of The Viper as he will join us for workshops on composition as well as performing with us on our final concert of the year in May. Stay tuned for more information. Read about our last concert at http://www.lzork.com/2018/05/18/another-day-another-viper-concert/ .
Solo & Ensemble Contest
On Saturday, February 22, orchestra students will be participating in the NIMCon Solo & Ensemble Contest. All 7th & 8th graders will select a solo and/or a small ensemble to perform. Sixth graders are invited to participate too.
The deadline to sign-up with Mr. Broach will be on Monday, November 25. The cost is $8 per student per event. View the sign-up sheet at: solo & ensemble master signup sheet. Let Mr. Broach know what you want to perform.
Read more about the event at http://www.lzork.com/event/solo-ensemble-contest-2020/.
ILASTA Field Trip
On December 6, the Intermezzo Orchestra (grade 6) will be performing at the Illinois American String Teacher Association (ILASTA) Orchestra Festival. We will be meeting in the orchestra room at 8:30 AM during school and departing for MYA Conservatory.
The Intermezzo Orchestra will be performing alongside Middle School South’s Intermezzo in one large orchestra. We will be performing for clinicians to receive feedback and afterwards will work with one of the clinicians to improve our performance.
Students should be bringing home Permission Forms to attend the field trip.
Read more about the event at http://www.lzork.com/event/ilasta-orchestra-festival-2019/.
Private Lessons
At Parent-Teacher Conferences, many of you parents asked for information on private teachers. One of the best ways to get better on an instrument is to take one-on-one private lessons. Check out this list of private teachers.
Halloween Concert a Success!
Congratulations to the students on a fun performance at our Halloween Concert on October 24. It was a great start to the year with spooky music and even some quite challenging music to set the bar high for the year to come!
Holiday/Pops Concert
Our Holiday / Pops Concert is coming up on Thursday, December 12 at 7:00 PM. We will be performing holiday music as well as some jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. Be prepared for electric instruments and a drum set to accompany the orchestra.
Annual Pledge Drive
Students have been asking how to get our cool Orchestra Hoodie. Well, now’s the time for our Annual Orchestra Pledge Drive! Our goal is to raise a dollar more than last year: $1851. We can do it! So…
Please help make orchestra awesome by helping to fund various projects such as our Composer in Residence and more.
Receive recognition in the concert programs and gifts as a thank you for your support!
The Pledge Drive will continue through the Holiday Season and end in the first week when we return from Winter Break on Friday, January 11.
For more information go to Orchestra Pledge Drive.